Life-Guard Helicopter Safety Update

Life-Guard Helicopter Safety Update

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Though Carilion Clinic Life-Guard is a critical resource in saving lives, its crew knows the risk they take upon each takeoff. That is why safety is the number one priority on all missions.

To maintain the safety of both patients and crew, the Life-Guard team provides helicopter safety education for EMS crews. Such continuing safety education plays an important role in earning and maintaining Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) accreditation.

For example, some of Carilion Clinic Life-Guard's newest safety features include:

Helicopter TAWS (terrain warning system)

TCAS (aircraft warning system)

Night vision goggles

Life-Guard 10 can transport two patients, depending on weight

"Glass" cockpit, the latest technology in aviation

Tail rotor illumination light

All previous rules for landing zone safety apply

Also, the Life-Guard team emphasizes that the same safety rules apply for the new helicopters:

When loading the helicopter, DO NOT GO PAST THE REAR FINS

Stretchers are on board both Life-Guard 10 and Life-Guard 11. However, these do NOT secure into ambulances

No loose objects

Do not approach the helicopter unless a flight crew member has signaled you to approach